As midnight hit and the first 94 mile per hour fastball left Storen’s right hand in Game 5 of the National League Division Series, the song screamed hope to Nationals Park. One inning — and the middle of the St. Louis Cardinals’ lineup — separated the Nationals from the National League Championship Series.

One inning turned into one strike.

Surgery to remove a bone chip in his right elbow sidelined Storen until July. The 25-year-old who saved 43 games last season finally regained his old closer’s job in September. Storen craves the ninth inning’s pressure.

“It’s the best job when you’re good at it,” Storen said, “and it’s the worst job when you fail.”